- Nasir El-Rufai criticizes the APC for straying from its core values, asserting he would maintain his stance regardless of government position
- Daniel Bwala questions El-Rufai’s motives, suggesting his criticisms stem from personal grievances rather than genuine concern for the party
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Daniel Bwala, special adviser on policy communication to President Bola Tinubu, have continued their verbal clash over the performance of the current administration and the state of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai, who criticized the party on Monday for “straying from its core values,” reaffirmed his stance on Thursday, stating that his opinions would remain unchanged even if he were part of Tinubu’s government.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s remarks, Bwala questioned whether he would hold the same stance if he were in the administration.
In response, El-Rufai, via a post on X on Thursday morning, dismissed Bwala’s comments, insisting he had no interest in serving in Tinubu’s government.
“I was a cabinet minister 22 years ago and made it clear to Asiwaju that I was not interested in any position in his administration.
“The way all of you, recent converts to the Tinubu government, focus on something I never wanted in the first place reflects your moral flexibility.
“If I had remained in Tinubu’s government, I would still speak out against the party’s decline—first privately, and then publicly if no action was taken. Check my public service record since 1998.”
However, Bwala urged El-Rufai to return to the party, arguing that his criticism was driven by personal vengeance rather than patriotism.
“The opposition sees your sense of vengeance as a recruitment tool,” he said.